System and apparatus for blowing off, washing, and filling locomotive boilers.



T. N. GILMORE.

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR BLOWING OFF, WASHING, AND FILLING LOGOMOTIVE BOILERS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 9, 1911.

1,1 17,947, Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

3 SEEETSSHEET 1.

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g ZQZ' 526 3385 R0972 667' T. N. GILMORE.

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR BLOWING OFF, WASHING, AND FILLING LOOOMOTIVE BOILERS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.9, 1911.

1,1 17,947. Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Zljifizemes 727/372 t ai T. N. GILMORE.

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR BLOWING OFF, WASHING, AND FILLING LOGOMOTIVE BOILERS.

APPLICATION FILED 11116.9, 1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

a SHEETS-SHEET a.

TED STATES PATENT OFFICE. f

THOMAS N. GILMORE, 0F CRANFORID, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR T0 WESTINGHOUSE, CHURCH, KERR & COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW J EBSEY.

SY S TEM AND APPARATUS FOR BLOWING OFF, WASHING, AND FILLING LOCOMOTIVE- BOILERS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS N. GILMORE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cranford, county of Union, and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Systems and Apparatus for Blowing Ofl', Washing, and Fil for refilling the locomotive boilers, or for both refilling and washing out, shall be economically heated by steam separated from the blow-ofl" water and also .by exhaust steam from any available source.

A full understanding of the invention can best be given by a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the same, and such a description will now be given in connection with the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an approved embodiment of the invention in a system having a single hot water storage tank from which water is drawn for both Washing out and filling up. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the hot water tank shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the hot water tank taken on line 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross sectional View of the blow-ofi' tank and separator taken on line 4 of Fig. 1'. Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the invention as embodied in a two-tank system having a second storage tank for washing water.

Referring to the drawings. and zfiISt to Figs. 1. to 4, the water and steam blow-off from the locomotive boilers are delivered through a blow-ofl' main 10 and through a pipe 11 into a blow-0E tank and separator 12. The blowofi main extends through the round house past the engine stalls and is provided with drop pipes 13 between the engine stalls, the drop pipes being provided with check valves 14 adjacent to the main. Dupllcate mains 15 and 16 are also provided extending through the round house for supplying the water for Washing out and filling up, and each of these supply mains is provided with drop pipes 17 and 18 respectively between the engine stalls in the customary manner. The drop pipes 13, 17 and 18 are provided with valves 19 adjacent to their lower ends and the three pipes of each set, of which Specification of Letters Patent. Patented N 17, 1914 l Application filed August 9, 1811. Serial No. 643,092. I

sets only one is shown in the drawing, are

connected below the valves 19 to a single connecting terminal 20 from which conneotion may be made to the boiler of a locomotive in the stall on either side of the drop pipes for blowing off or filling up, or to which a hose pipe may be connected for washing out.

The bloW-ofi' and separating tank 12 may be of any suitable construction, but a tank such as is fully described in my application No. 645,188, filed August 21, 1911, I consider best for the purpose. This tank, as is clear from Figs. 1 and 4, consists of a conical shaped tank set vertically and having an inlet opening 21 on'one side connected with the pipe 11 for admitting the blown ofi water and steam in a direction tangential to the side of the tank, and having a steam outlet at the top and a water discharge outlet 22 in the bottom of the tank connecting with a discharge pipe 23. The tank is also provided in its lower part with bafl'els 24. The water and steam en-' tering the tank tangentially take up a swirling or rotary motion, and the Water traveL ing in a spiral direction downward into the larger lower portion of the'tank with reduced velocity, gives up the maximum quantity of steam. The steam rises to pass ticular arrangement shown in Fig. .1, no use is made of the blown off water after it leaves the catch basin, and the overflow pipe 26 may, therefore, discharge directly into the sewer or be connected in other suitable manner to allow the water overflowing from the catch basin to escape. The discharge pipe 23 is carried down to near the bottom of v the catch basin and the overflow pipe 26 leads from near the top of the catch basin, so that the catch basin is at all times full of water forming a water seal and preventing the escape of steam from the blow-oif tank. The head of water seal in the catch basin determines the maximum obtainable pressure in the system, since'on an increase of pressure in the system above that corresponding to the head of water seal in the catch basin, the excess pressure will be relieved by blowing out through the discharge pipe 23. Sludge and scale blown out of the locomotive boilers will be carried through the blow-ofl tank and into the catch basin, from which it may be removed as desired through a man-hole provided at the top of the catch basin, or may be allowed to pass out with the water through a drain 29 controlled by a normally closed sluice valve 27 'which may be opened by a handle 28.

The steam separated from the water in the blow-ofl tank escapes through the opening the tank and passes part by hotwater storage tank 31 and part by pipe 32 to a water heater 33. The water heater 33 maybe, and forbest results will be, of theopen type, that is, one in which the steam comes into direct contact with the water to be heated. An open in the top of pipe 30 to a large water heater of any suitable form may be used. The heater is connected'to supply hot water to the hot water tank 31 through a 1pc 34 and this connection between the heater and tank is normally open so that the water will stand at the same level in both the heater and tank, the heater being set with relation to the tank so that the intended normal water line of both will be at the same level. The water is supplied to the heater through an inlet pipe 35 provided with a valve 36 which is controlled through a connectin rod 37 by a float 38 within the heater.

The flow of water to the heater and the sup ply of hot water to the storage tank is thus controlled by the height of water in the tank and heater, water being automatically supplied when the water level in the tank drops and the supply being cut off when the water stands at or above the desired level in the tank. Water flowing to the heater from the cold water supply pipe 40 may be preliminarily heated by passing through a coil 41 in the catch basin 25 and thence through a pipe 42 .to the inlet pipe 35. Connection may also be provided as shown by pipe 43, for supplying the heater with water from the cold water line 44 which is connected with the supply pipe 40 to take water which has not passed through the heating coil 41. Valves 45 and 46 are provided in the pipes 42 and 43 respectively for controlling the source of supply of water to the heater as desired.

' water in the storage tank.

' to further heat the water In addition to steam from the separator 12, the water heater is also supplied with exhaust steam from the pumps hereinafter referred to forming part of the system and with exhaust steam from any other available source, as from the power house steam engines. Fig. 1 shows pipe 50 for supplying exhaust steam from the exhaust steam pipe 51 to the pipe 32 leading from the separator to the heater. Exhaust steam from the pumps is supplied to the heater through pipe 52 leading into'pipe 50. A supply of steam to the heater is thus secured at all timesand especially when the pumps are working; that is, when water from the tank is being used. The steam enters through an opening of ample size into the water heater where it mingles with and is condensed all or in part by the water entering the heater through inletpipe 35. The maximum flow of water into the heater should for best results be fixed at the'lowest possible rate of flow which will be sufficient to take care of the requirements of the systennthereby giving the opportunity of condensing the maximum amount of steam and transferring to the water the maximum number of heat units. The maximum rate of inflow of water into the heater will thus be much less than the rate of outflow from the tank 31 under the maximum demand. Any steam not condensed in the heater is conducted from the heater through a pipe 53 into the hot water storage tank.

mal water level in the tank near one enc.

thereof. The steam entering the coils 56,

and all or the greater part of it being condensed in the coils, will not only maintaln but will also raise the temperature of the A suitable drain connection such as the drain pipe 58 leading to discharge into the catch basin is provided for removlng and disposing of water condensed in the pipe coils, the end of the drain pipe 58 extending down to near the bottom of the catch basin to preserve the water seal.

on the system. Any steam entering the pipe coils from the separator and not condensed therein will escape into the space above the water level in the'tank and will be utilized plained. The steam pipe ward to the connectionwith the tank 31 as hereinafter exv 30 extends'downr' from a suflicient height so that the water condensed in the pipe coils will run out through the drain pipe 58 and will not How back through the pipe 30 into the blow-ofi' tank. The blow-off tank and the hot water tank 31 are, however, set relatively to each other so that the steam outlet at the top of the blow-off tank or the high point of the pipe 30 is below the level of the open ends of the risers 57 of the pipe coils 56, thus providing for the overflow through the heating coils, pipe 30, blow-off tank and catch basin into the sewer of excess water which. may from any cause enter the hot water tank and raise the water level above the ends of the risers 57.

The pipe 53 leading from the steam space of the water heater to the hot water tank connects with the hot water tank near the end in which the risers 57 of the pipe coils are located, and at or near its opposite end the tank is provided with an outlet pipe 60 fitted with a back pressure valve 61. Be tween the inlet of the pipe 53 and the outlet pipe 60 the tank is provided along its top inside surface with a number of baflles-or deflectors 62 extending down nearly to the normal high water level. Uncondensed steam entering the space above the water in the tank either from the heater through pipe 53 or from the steam coils may then flow along over the surface of the water to the opposite end of the tank to escape through the outlet pipe 60 and will be retarded in its flow and deflected down into more intimate contact with the surface of the water by the baffle plates 62, and considerable additional heating of the water is thus secured from steam which'would otherwise not be made to give up its heat. The back pressure valve 61 determinesthe pres sure maintained on the system, and will be adjusted for maintaining a suitable low pressure, usually about one pound p essure, which will serve to prevent a too rapid escape of any uncondensed steam and also prevent the complete deflection of steam from the exhaust steam pipe 51, thus permitting steam from the pipe 51 to be used for other "heating purposes if desired. A drain pipe 63 leading to the catch basin is provided for draining out the tank 31, this pipe being provided with a valve 6% which is normally kept closed.

The connections between the separator and the hot water storage tank and the water heater not only provide for the heating of the water in the storage tank for maintaining or increasing its temperature by steam passing from the separator into the heating coils 56 and by steam passing over the top of the water in the tank, but under certain conditions steam entering the tank through the inlet from the pipe 53 will pass into the risers 57 and heating coils 56 to be condensed in the coils. Such reverse flow of steam in the heating coils occurs when uncondensed steam passes from the water heater through the pipe 53 into the storage tank at a time when a boiler is not being blown off. Ordinarily the greatest amount of steam supplied to the heater during times when no boiler is being blown off is supplied when Water is being pumped from the storage tank for filling or washing and the exhaust from the pumps is entering the heater; also if the tank and heater are full of water to their normal water level, so that no water is flowing into the heater, then substantially all the steam entering the heater will pass on into the storage tank. Suppose for example, that the storage tank and heater are full of water to their normal Water level, that no boiler is being blown off and that no water is being pumped from the storage tank, nowater will be flowing into the heater and exhaust steam entering the heater will pass through pipe 53 into the storage tank and more or less of this steam will enter the open risers of the heating coils 56 to be condensed in the coils and give up its heat to the water in the tank. The lower the temperature of the water in the tank, the more rapid will be the condensation of steam in the coils, and, therefore, the more steam will enter the coils from the steam space in the upper part of the tank. If water is being pumped from the tank, the lowering of the water'level will cause the water supply valve to the heater to be opened and the inflowing water will condense steam in the heater and be heated thereby, but then also the supply of steam to the heater will be increased by the exhaust from the pump or pumps so that there will usually be at such time also steam passing from the heater into the upper part of the storage tank, and the heating of the water in the tank by steam entering the coils through the risers may then continue. Exhaust steam supplied to the water heater, whether from the pumps or from other sources, will thus be utilized to the best advantage not only for heating water entering the heater but also for heating the water in the storage tank. When a boiler is being blown o the supply of steam to the water heater and from the water heater to the steam space in the storage tank will be augmented by steam from the separator 12, and at the same time steam from the separator will enter the heating coils in the storage tank. The amount of steam entering the heating coils at suchtime will usually be such that more or less uncondensed steam will escape from the heating coils into the steam space of the storage tank. It will be noticed that with the steam connections provided in the embodiment of my system as shown herein, the steam, whether from the separator or from the pumps or from the exhaust steam pipe 51, will give up its heat to water where most needed. If, for example, a boiler is blown off at a time when the temperature of the water in the storage tank is comparatively low and the tank is full, a greater pump or other suitable pump and which is connected with the storage tank by a suction pipe 71 and with the distributing main 15 by discharge pipe 72. This pump is also connected on its suction side by a pipe 73 with the cold water line 44, and the pipes 71 and 7 3 are provided with valves as shown so that the pump may be connected to supply either hot or cold water to the distributing main 15. The distributing main 16 is similarly supplied by a steam pump 75 through a discharge pipe 76 and this pump is connected by suction pipe 77 with the storage'tank 71 for supplying hot water to the main 16 and is also connected by pipe 78 with the pipe 73 and cold water main 4.4 for supplying cold water to the main 16, the suction pipes 77 and 78 being provided with suitable valves as shown, so that the pump may be connected on its suction side to supply either hot or cold'water. Either pump may thus be made to deliver either hot or cold water, and either hot or cold water may thus be supplied to either of the distributing mains 15 and 16. In ordinary use of the apparatus, one of the distributing mains may be supplied with hot water from the tank 31 and the other with cold water so that by suitable adjustment of the valves 19 of the drop pipes 17 and 18 leading from these mains water at the proper temperature for washing out locomotive boilers may be supplied through any terminal 20, and by closing the valve19 in the drop pipe supply ing cold water and opening the valve .of the drop pipe supplying the hot water, hot water at the temperature of the water in the storage tank may be supplied for filling up. The arrangement also admits, in case of either pump being shut down, of supplying hot water through the distributing main supplied by the other pump, and, also, in case of necessity or if desired for any reason, cold water may be supplied through either or both of the distributing mains, or warm water may be supplied.

The distributing mains 15 and 16 may be provided in the usual manner with return connections as shown to a return pipe 80 for maintaining constant circulation through motive boilers.

the mains, the pumps being provided in the usual manner with automatic governors of suitable construction. The return pipe. may be connected as shown by pipe 81 to deliver into the water heater through the supply pipe 35.

Under some conditions, as where the cost of water is tobe considered or where suflicient exhaust steam is not available to supplement steam blown from the locomotive boilers for heating water to be used for washing out as well as water for filling up, it is desirable to retain the hot blown off water from the locomotive boilers to be used for washing out. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the invention in a system having an additional storage tank in which the blowofl water is stored and from whichit is pumped tobe used for washing out the loco- This two-tank system as shown in Fig. 5'is substantially the same as the single tank system shown in Fig. 1 except for the addition of the second storage 1 tank for the blow off water and the arrangement of the pumps. As shown in this figure, hot water is supplied to the main 15, which in the ordinary intended operation of this two-tank system is thefilling main, from the storage tank 31'by the steam pump 70 connected as in Fig. 1 with the tank by a suction pipe. 71 and with the filling main by discharge pipe 72, and also connected on its suction side by a branch from pipe 73 with the cold water line 414, the suction pipe 71 and branch from the pipe 73 beingprovided with valves so that the pump may be connected to supply either hot or cold water to the filling main 15. The main 15 is provided as before with a return connection through pipe 80 connected by pipe 81 to the heater supply pipe 35 for maintaining constant circulation through the filling main, the pump being provided with an automatic governor.

The overflow pipe 26 from the catch basin 25, instead of connecting to the sewe-ndischarges into a masonry or other tank or hot well ,85 in which the blown off water is collected and stored to be used as wash water.

This tank is provided with an overflow pipe 86 which connects with a pipe 87 leading to the sewer or otherwise connected to allow the overflow water to escape. The overflow pipe 86 leads from a chamber 88 partitioned ofi at one end of the tank and communicating with the main portion of the tank below the normal water level only through a hole 89 at and near the bottom of the partition. The overflow water will thus ordinarily be drawn from the bottom o'f'the tank where the water is coldest. The bottom of the over they may be removed through a man-hole 91' The overflow pipe 26 is also connected with the sewer pipe 87 by means of a by-pass pipe 95 so that by means of the valves 96 and 97 provided respectively in the pipe 95 and in the pipe 26 beyond its connection with the pipe 95 the overflow may be directed either to the hot well or directly to the sewer as desired.

Water from the hot well or washing water storage tank 85 is delivered to the main 16, which in the ordinary use of this two-tank system is the wash water main, by means of a pump 100 which is connected with the storage tank by a suction pipe 101 and with the main 16 by a discharge pipe 102. The

suction pipe 101 takes its water from the tank through a hinged extension 103, the inner end of which is supported by a float 104 so that it will take water from near the top where the temperature of the water is so I highest and where the water is free from scale, sludge or other suspended matter. The pump 100 is also connected on its suction side to the, pipe 73 leading from ,the cold water main 44. The suction pipe 101 and the connection from the pipe 73 are provided with-valves as shown, so that the pump may be made to deliver hot or warm water from the storage tank 85 or cold water from the main 44-150 the wash water main 16. For maintaining circulation in the main 16, the main is provided with a returnconnection such as the return pipe 105 leading from the end of the main to the blow-ofi' main 10, and the pump is provided with the usual automatic governor of any suitable construction.-

It will be seen that with the valves controlling the suction of the pump set to cause the pump to supply hot fresh water from the tank 31 to the filling line 15, and with the valves controlling the suction of the pump 100 set for causing said pump to supply water from the tank 85 to the washin'g line 16, water for either filling or washing will at all times be available at any of the terminals 20 in the round house, it being only necessary when the' connection is made from any terminal 20, either to a locomotive boiler for filling, or to the wash out hose for washing out, to open'the valve 19in -the drop pipe 17 or the drop pipe 18 as'the case may be. By setting the valves controlling the suction of the-pump 100'to cause cold water to be supplied bythis pumoto the distributing line 16, the system as shown in this figure. may be usedn the manner described for the single tank system of Fig. 1, that is, with one distributing line supplied with hot water from the tank 31 and the other with cold water; and in order that either pump may be made to deliver through its distributing main either fresh hot water from the tank 31 or cold water, the pump 100 is connected with the tank 31 by a suction pipe 106 provided with a valve 107.

The operation and use of the system, either with the single tank of Fig. l or with the two-tank arrangement of lflg. 5, will be understood from the foregoing description. The system, including the introduction of steam coils into the hot watef storage tank and the manner of connecting up the steam supply to these coils, together with the means or connections provided for introducing uncondensed steam from the water heater into the top of the storage tank and for causing said steam to pass over and in contact with the water in the tank and into the steam coils or heating pipes, provides a most eflic'ient means of utilizing steam separated from the contents blown from locomotive boilers and exhaust steam from the pumps and other available sources for maintaining and raising the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank; and the restricting of the inflow of fresh water to the water heater as described, affords the best conditions for condensing the steam admitted to the heater and transferring its heat units to thevwater so as to obtain the most eflicient heating of the water and the supply of water at the maximum temperature to the hot water storage tank.

What is claimed is 1. In a boiler blow-01f, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, means for heating water on its way to the storage tank by blow-off water from the separator, means for further heating the water before it enters the storage 110 tank by steam from the separator, and means for further heating the water in the storage tank by steam coming direct from the separator.

2. In a boiler blow-oif, washing and filling 115 svstem, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, means for heating water on its way to. the storage tank by blow-off water from the separator, a water heater for further heating the water before it enters the storage'tank by exhaust steam and by steam from the separator, and a separate steam connection from the water heater to the storage tank "for the passage of uncondensed 125 steam from the water heaterto further hea the water in the storage tank.

3. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling svstem, e combination of a separator,- a blow-01f pipe. leading to the separator, a

storage tank, means for heating water on its way to the storage tank by blow-ofi water from the separator, a water heater for further heating the water before it enters the storage tank by exhaust steam and by steam from the separator, a separate steam con-' nectionfrom the water heater to the storage tank for the passage of uncondensed steam from the water heater to further heat the water in the storage tank, and means for heating the Water in the storage tank by steam coming direct from the separator.

4.-In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a water heater in which water is heated on its way to the storage tank, a connection for supplying steam from the separator to said Water heater, heating means for further heating the water in the storage tank, and -a connection for supplying steam from the separator to said heat ing means.

5. In a boiler blow-off, washing'and fill-' ing system, the combination of a separator, a blOW-Ofi pipe leading-to the separator, a storage tank, an open water heater in which water flowing to the storage tank is heated by steam from the separator, means for controlling the supply of water according to the level of Water in the storage tank,

and a separate steam connection from the heater to the storage tank for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to further heat the water in the tank.

6. In a boiler blow-oil", washing and fill-1' ing system, the combination of a separator,

a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a

storage tank, a steam pump for delivering Water from the storage tank, a water heater for heating water flowing to the storage tank, said heater being supplied with exhaust steam from the pump, means for controlling the supply of water according to the level of Water in the storage tank, and

means forlheating the water in the storage tank by steam direct from the separator. 7. In a boiler blow-off, washing and fill ing system, the combination of a separator, a blow-elf pipe leadingto the'separaton'a storage tank, an open water heater for heating water flowing to the storage tank, said. heater being supplied with steam from the separatorand also with exhaust steam, means for preliminarily heating the water flowing to the heater by blow-off water from the separator, and means for maintaining the temperature of the water in the storage;

tank by steam from the heater and also by steam direct from the separator.

8. Ina boiler blow-off, washing and fill ing system, the combinationp'f a separator, ablow-0E pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a Water heater for heating water flowing to the storalgetank e2,

names? haust steam, means for'controlling the sup'-' ply of water according to the level of water in the storage tank, a connection for-supplying uncondensed steam from the water heater to heat the water in the storage tank, and means for heating water in the storage tank by steam from the separator.

9. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system,-the combination of a separator, a blow-oft pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating Water flowing to the storage tank, a valve for controlling the supply of water to the heater controlled by the level of water in the heater, a connecting passage between the heater and the storage tank below the water level, the heater and storage tank being set relatively to each other so that the intended'nor'mal water level of both shall be the same. a steam passage leading from the separator to the heater, and a steam passage leading from the separator to the storage tank. 10. In a boiler blowso fl', washing and filling system, the combination of a separator,

'a blow-oft pipe leading to the separator, a

storage tank, a water heater for heating Water flowing to the storage tank, a valve for controlling the supply of water to the heater controlled by the level of water in plying nncondensed steam from the heater for heating water in the storage tank.

11. In a boiler filling system, the "combination with a storage tank, of a water heater for heating water flowing to the tank,--a connecting passage between the heater a'nd the'tank below thewater level,

a passage connecting the steam space of theheater and the steam space of the tank, and a. valve for controlling the supply of water in'the heater.

12. Ina boiler blow ofl, Washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blew=off-pipeleading to the separator, a storage tank, means for heating water flowingjto the storage tank, means for supplying steam to the water-heating means, a

heating pipe mounted in the storage tank connected to receive steam'from the sepa-- rater and open to the interior of the tank ahovethe .Water level, and-means providing a passage connecting the steam space in the water he'atingmeans with the storage tank.

a-boil'er blown-a, washing and to the heater controlledhy the water level storage tank, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator, and means for supplying steam at low pressure from a source other than the separator to flow through said heating pipe in the reverse direction from that in which the steam from the separator flows therethrough.

15. In a boiler blow-oil, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator,

a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, a a

storage tank, a heating pipe inthe storage tank connected to receive steam from 'the separator, and a connection for supplying a relatively small amount of steam from a source other than the separator to entersaid heating pipe when a boiler is not being blown ofl.

16. In a boiler blow-oil", washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-ofl' pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected at one end to receive steam from the separator, and a connection for supplying steam at low pressure and in relatively small amount to the other end of said heating pipe from a source of substantially continuous supply.

17. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-.otl' pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating by steam water flowing to the storage tank, a

connection for supplying to the heater steam from a source other than the separator, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to the tank, and a heating pipe inv the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and open to the interior of the tank above the water level.

18. In a boiler blow-off, washing and fill-' ing system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating water flowing to the storage tank, means for controlling the supply of water according to the amount of Water in the tank, a connection for supplying steam to the heater from a source other than the separator, a connec-. tion for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to the storage tank. and a heating pipe in the storage tank'connected to receive steam from the separator .and open to the interior of the tank above the Water level.

19. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a' heating pipe in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and open to the interior of the tank above the Water level, a steam pump for pumping water from the storage tank, means for supplying water to the tank, and means for supplying exhaust steam from the pump to the space in the tank above the water level.

20. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-ofi' pipe leading to the separator, means for providing a water seal past which the blow-ofi' water flows from the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank, a connecing system, the combination of a separator,

a blow-ofi' pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank by exhaust steam and bv steam from the separator, a connection for the passage of-uncondensed steam from the heater into one end of the storage tank, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and opening into the tank at the end of the tank at which the uncondensed steam from the heater is received, and an outlet at the opposite end of the tank provided with a back pressure valve.

22. In a boiler blow-ofl. washing and filling system, the comb nation of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank, and heating pipes mounted 'within the tank below the water level and connected at one end to receive steam from the separator and having at the other end openings to the interior of the tank slightly above the normal. water level. said heating pipes being connected to provide an overflow passage from the tank past a pressure-maintaining water seal.

23. In an apparatus for supplving hot water, the combination of a storage tank, a water heater for heating by steam water flowing to the storage tank, means for controlling the supplv of water according to the amount of Water in the storage tank. a heating pipe within the storage tank, and a connection for supplying uncondensed steam from the heater to said; heating pipe in the storage tank.

24, In an apparatus for supplying hot water, the combination of a storage tank having a heating pipe therein connected with an intermittent steam supply and open to the interior of the tank above the water level, a steam pump for pumping water from the tank, and means for supplying exhaust steam from the pump to the interior of the tank above the water level.

25. In an apparatus for supplying hot water, the combination of a storage tank having a heating pipe mounted therein connected with an intermittent steam supply and open to the interior of the tank above the water level, a Water heater for heating water flowing to the tank, a' steam pump for pumping water from the tank, connections for supplying exhaust steam from the pump to the heater, and a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to the tank.

26. In an apparatus for supplying hot Water, the combination with a storage tank, of a heater for heating water flowing to the tank, means for supplying steam to the heater, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam fro'm the heater to the space above the water level in the tank, and a heating pipe mounted within the tank and open/to the space above the water level in the tank and provided with a connection for carrying ofl water of condensation formed therein.

27. In an apparatus for supplying hot Water, the combination with a storage tank, of a water heater for heating water flowing to the tank, means for controlling the supply of water to the heater according to the amount of water in the tank, means for supplying steam to the heater, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam 'from the heater to the tank, a back pressure valve connected to control the pressure in the tank, and a heating pipe mounted in the tank and open to the interior of the tank above the normal water level and connected to receive steam from an intermittent steam supply.

28. Inan apparatus for supplying hot Water, the combination of a storage tank having a heating pipe mounted therein connected with an intermittent steam supply, a water heater for heating water flowing to the tank, means for controlling the supply of water according to the level of water 'in the tank, means for supplying steam to the water heater from a source other than the source of supply tothe heating pipe, and a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to said heating pipe.

29. In an apparatus for supplying hot water, the combination of a storage tank, a

heating pipe-mounted within.- theptankand v innea? connected with an intermittent steam supply, a water heater for heating water flowing to the tank, means for controlling the supply of water according to the level of water in the'tank, means for supplying exhaust steam to the water heater, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to said heating pipe, and a back pressure valve connected to limit the pressure in the heating pipe.

30. In an apparatus for supplying 'hot Water, the combination of a storage tank, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected at one end with an intermittent steam supply, and a connection for supplying steam at low pressure and in relatively small amount to the other end of said heating pipe from a source of substantially continuous supply. p I

31. In a boiler blow-oil", washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oft pipe leading to the separator, a Water heater, means for supplying steam to the water heater, means for supplying fresh water to the water heater, a storage tank 31 to Which water is supplied from the water heater, said tank being of hori- I zontally elongated form and being provided with heating pipes 56 connected to receive steam from the separator and open to the interior of the tank above the water level near one end of the tank, a connection for supplying uncondensed steam from the heater to the space above the water level in the tank adjacent to the ends of the pipes 56, and a steam outlet, at the opposite end f the tank.

32-. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading tothe separator, means providing a water seal past which the blovv-ofi' water flows from the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating Water supplied to the storage tank, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to the storage tank, heating pipes in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and opening to the interior of the tank, and an outlet from the system provided with a back pressure valve.

. 33. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, means'providing a water seal past which the blow-ofl' water flows from the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank, means to supply steam to the heater from a source other than the separator, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam irom the heater to the storage tank, heating pipes in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and opening to the interior ofthe tank above the normal water A30- level, and anoutlet from the system provided with a back pressure valve.

34:. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combinationof a separator, a blow-ofi' pipe leading to the separator, means providing a water seal past which the blow-ofi water flows from the separator, a storage tank, a steam pump for delivering Water from the storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank by exhaust steam from the pump, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to the storage tank, heating pipes in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and opening to the interior of the tank above the normal Water level, and an outlet from the system provided with a back pressure valve.

35. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-oil pipe leading to the separator, means providing a water seal past which the blow-off water flows from the separator, a storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank, means to supply steam to the heater from a source other than the separator, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator, a connection for the storage of uncondensed steam from the heater to said heating pipe, and an outlet from the system provided with a back pressure valve.

36. In a boiler blow-ofi', washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, means providing a water seal past which the blow-off water flows from the separator, a storage tank, asteam pump for delivering water from the storage tank, a water heater for heating water supplied to the storage tank by exhaust steam from the pump and by steam from another source other than the separator, a heating pipe in the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator, a connection for the passage of uncondensed steam from the heater to said heating pipe, and an outlet from the system provided with a back pressure valve.

37. In a boiler blow-oil, washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a bloW-ofi pipe leading to the separator, a discharge pipe leading from the separator for discharging the blow-off water, means for providing a water seal to prevent the escape of steam from the separator through the water discharge pipe and to limit the maximum pressure in the system, a hot water storage tank, a heating pipe within the storage tank connected to receive steam from the separator and open to the interior of the tank above the water level, and a drain pipe for the water of condensation from the heating pipe provided with a water seal, said heating pipe and the steam connection thereto being arranged so that excess water in the storage tank will over-flow through the heating pipe and said connection and through the separator and the discharge pipe leading from the separator.

38. In a boiler blow-oil, washing and fill ing system, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank for washing water supplied with blow-off water from the separator, a storage tank for filling water, means for supplying fresh water to the filling water tank, means for heating the filling water by the blow-ofi water, and means for further heating the filling water by steam from the separator.

39. In a boiler blow-ofi', washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-off pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank for washing water, a storage tank for filling water, a receptacle into which the blow-oil water is discharged from ,the separator, an overflow connection leading from said receptacle to the washing water tank, a heating coil mounted in said receptacle for preliminarily heating water supplied to the filling water tank, and means for further heating the filling water by steam from the separator.

40. In a boiler blow-off, Washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-ofi pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank for filling water, means for heating the water supplied to the filling water tank by exhaust steam, means for heating the filling water by steam from the separator, a storage tank for washing water supplied with blow-ofi' water from the separator, and means for preliminarily heating the filling water by the transfer thereto of heat from the blow-off water.

41. In a boiler blow-off, washing and filling system, the combination of a tank for filling water, a tank for washing water, means for supplying fresh water to the filling water tank, means for heating the filling water by the blown off boiler contents, means for supplying the washing water tank with blow-off water, a distributing line for filling water, a distributing line for washing water, a pump for supplying the filling water line connected on its suction side to supply hot water from the filling water tank or cold waterfrom a cold water supply, a pump for supplyingwater to the washing water line connected on its suction side to supply water from the washing water tank or cold water from the cold water supply.

42. In a boiler blow-oil", washing and filling system, the combination of a separator, a blow-ofi pipe leading to the separator, a storage tank for washing water connected to receive the blow-ofi wate from the separator, a storage tank for filling Water, means Water supply, a pump for supplying Water to the washing Water line connected on its suction side to supply Water from the Washing Water tank or Water from the filling water tank or cold Water from a cold Water supply.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set 15 my hand, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

THOMAS. NQ GILMORE.

.Witnesses A. L. KENT, CHARLES W. DREW. 

